Despite widespread misconceptions, the unconscionable deaths of Black women before, during, and after birth are not a result of individual behaviors. Rather, the roots of these disparities run deep, intertwining with systemic racism, racial stereotypes, and a health care system that too often fails to provide adequate support and care for Black mothers. This grim reality was the driving force behind the Foundation’s decision to partner with Women in the Room Productions on the documentary, “Birthing Justice.” We knew that bringing about real change meant telling the full story, and that's where leveraging the power of narrative change through art comes into play.
Art has always been a powerful medium for societal change. It can capture complex emotions, provoke thought, and challenge ingrained beliefs. From spoken word poetry and performance art to the visual arts and music, artists employ a variety of methods to humanize statistics, giving a platform to stories often overlooked by mainstream media. This helps promote dialogue, foster empathy, and inspire action on issues that may have gone unnoticed.
